Gauteng police leadership and community stakeholders gathered at Linden Police Station to honour fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2021/22 financial year.

The commemoration was held at the SAPS Memorial Site at Linden Police Station, where Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana joined the chairperson of the Gauteng Community Safety Portfolio Committee, Dr Bandile Masuku, SAPS management, dignitaries, colleagues and community members to honour the fallen officers.

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The event reminded everyone of the sacrifices police officers make in carrying out their duties. These men and women dedicated their lives to protecting communities, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the safety and security of Gauteng residents.

Kekana said that every loss of life among their colleagues, especially in this brutal way while serving the community, means that instead of them being victors in serving, they become victims.

“It is unfortunate and heartbreaking. It is not what we wish to see happen because we are here as protectors and servers, not to be victims of crime,” said Kekana.

He assured the families of the fallen officers that the police will always be there for them and that they will always be part of the SAPS family.

“We will not abandon them. We will not disappoint the call and oath of office which their brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers and their children took,” said Kekana.

“We will continue to raise the flag high in ensuring that we serve with pride for their legacy, wishes and desire to be a chief of a safe and secure environment.”

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Among those in attendance were the families of the fallen heroes and heroines, whose presence added deep meaning to the occasion. Their loved ones were remembered not only as police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also as parents, spouses, children, siblings and friends whose absence continues to be felt.

Masuku acknowledged the courage and dedication displayed by the fallen members, while extending heartfelt condolences and support to their families and colleagues.

“These are individuals who actually sacrificed their lives, their family time and ultimately whatever they had intended to do to protect us,” said Masuku. “So, it is important that, as a community, we appreciate and remember them and also thank their families because they are the ones who are going to be living without them.”

He added that these are the officers who have saved the country and defended communities and citizens. He encouraged communities to work together with the police and be part of intelligence-gathering systems.

“We need to strengthen the community policing system,” said Masuku. “Our keen interest is to make sure that the communities themselves do come on board and they can do it. Areas where there are stronger community policing patrollers and neighbourhood watches, crime is at its lowest.”

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